Hand’s double strike eases Town’s first match nerves

Wayne on Hand to give Highbridge perfect start to life in the County League

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Somerset County Division Two West

Highbridge Town 3, Winscombe 2

HIGHBRIDGE Town manager Matt Pitt praised his side's fighting spirit as they came from a goal down to beat Winscombe and begin life in the Somerset County League with three points.

Wayne Hand scored twice for Town after Stuart Green had drawn them level shortly after half-time - and Pitt was pleased with player's first outing at a higher level.

He said: “I thought the boys were outstanding and showed all their qualities to bounce back like they did after a very nervous start.

“Winscombe will be up there come end of season and this was a massive three points for us. The locals who come down to support us were fantastic and added to the energy that was buzzing from the first whistle and myself and Jeff Bailey are so confident we can use this and rack up many more wins with the squad we have.”

Winscombe took the lead on 35 minutes against the run of play after a mistake by Town keeper Ashley Harrison, but Town began to find their feet and equalised minutes into the second half as Green fired home from the edge of the box following a scramble.

Just five minutes later, Chris Taylor was brought down inside the area and the ever reliable Wayne Hand stepped up to put Highbridge into the lead.

On the 70 minute mark, Winscombe showed their class with a well worked equaliser.

But within a minute of the restart, Town broke away again and Will Bailey's pass put Hand through on goal - and the veteran capped an outstanding performance to slot home the winner for Town.

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